The Best Books to Read Over Christmas Break

Picture this:

You're in your favorite slippers, cuddled in your favorite corner of the couch, blanket on your lap, hot chocolate in one hand, and a candle filling the air with the smell of pine and cinnamon. The only thing that could make this scene better? A great book!

I love books, and I want to give you some great recommendations, but please note that my tastes may be different than yours - if you end up hating something on this list, I'm not offended! Go find something that does interest you, something you will enjoy reading. Don't feel obligated to push through just because I said it was a great read - that might not be true for everyone!

On a similar note, I've tried to indicate which books I view as appropriate for readers of all ages (they're marked with a *), but the others have a wide range of themes, content, and material that may or may not be acceptable to you. If I couldn't remember well enough to be sure, I didn't put an asterisk, so there may be some that aren't marked that you still might consider acceptable for anyone to read. Use your best judgement, look up more info on goodreads or parent guides for books you can sometimes find online, and always put a book aside if you feel like it is not aligned with your standards or has too much tempting or contrary content.

Lastly, please note that this post contains affiliate links, and I may receive monetary compensation through their use (at no additional cost to you).

Happy reading!

The Trumpet of the Swan*
by E.B. White

Category: Novel
Type: Charming and Cute

When a swan can't make a beautiful trumpeting noise like he's supposed to, he turns to some alternatives. With the help of a young boy, the swan learns new things and becomes more than he ever thought he would.


Fire
by Kristen Cashore
Category: Novel
Type: Fantastical and Enthralling

In this world, there are monsters - colorful, beautiful, dangerous versions of animals with the power to influence the minds of others. Fire, the only living human monster, is constantly faced with those who either fall in love at the sight of her or else want her dead, and those who knew her father despise her for his terrible influence on the former king. In a country on the brink of war, Fire finds that she just might have a purpose beyond being a beautiful beast.


Hatchet*
by Gary Paulsen
Category: Novel
Type: Adventurous and Exciting

A young boy ends up stranded in the Canadian wilderness with little more than a hatchet.
His task? Survive.


The List
by Melanie Jacobson
Category: Novel
Type: Breezy Romantic Beach Read

Ashley is spending her summer in California, and she is determined to have adventures. One place she turns to? Her list - a collection of bucket-list items she is determined to complete before even considering marriage. In a religion (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) that heavily emphasizes marriage, this can be hard, but Ashley will not budge. Not even when she meets a certain boy...
Fun fact: this book, in a round-about way, ended up contributing to Kyle and I getting engaged. Maybe someday I'll explain a bit more, but you can see some of our story here and maybe make the connection yourself ;)


Make Lemonade
by Virginia Euwer Wolff
Category: Novel in Verse
Type: Deep and Gritty

LaVaughn takes a job babysitting to raise money for college. The family consists of a single mom, not much older than LaVaughn herself, and two young children, one of whom is just a baby. As LaVaughn sees more and more of this family's life and how they got to be in the circumstances they are in, she begins to question and ponder fairness, poverty, getting what you work for, and getting what you deserve.


Tuck Everlasting*
by Natalie Babbitt
Category: Novel
Type: Whimsical Classic

A young girl discovers a family with a secret: they can live forever.


Educating Esmé: Diary of a Teacher's First Year
by Esmé Raji Codell
Category: Memoir/Diary
Type: Exuberant and Real

This book holds nothing back as Esmé tells her story of teaching in a Chicago public school. With a personality and approach to learning that makes her and Ms. Frizzle kindred spirits, you will certainly grin and even laugh out loud as you read, but there are realities that are revealed that shine a sobering light into the dark corners of the lives of kids affected by the harsh neighborhood in which they live.

Night
by Elie Wiesel

Category: Memoir

Type: Harrowing and Somber

This true story of a young boy's experience in Auschwitz will cut you to your core. Definitely read it with tissues and a loved one to hug nearby.

Where the Wild Things Are*
by Maurice Sendak

Category: Picture Book

Type: Classic and Charming

You're never too old to enjoy this classic. Curl up with your kids, nieces and nephews, cousins, grandkids, or even roommates and enjoy a wild rumpus or two!

Happy Reading!

Stay Beautiful,

xoxo Madi

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Hospital Bag Checklist - What You Need and What You Don't

There are tons of checklists and Pinterest posts and blog articles telling you what to bring in your hospital bag when it's that magical time to go have your baby. I wanted to give my own two cents and let you know what I was glad to have, what I wish I didn't bring, and what I would pack if I had it to do over again:

What You Need:

Stuff to do

We went got to the hospital around midnight and baby girl arrived at 11:00 am, which left lots of time to do...nothing. My labor wasn't hectic; in fact, I barely progressed over the course of the first 7 hours. It wasn't until the doctor broke my water that things started moving along, and even then, there was still some waiting around until showtime. And after you have the baby, you're in the hospital for at least 24-36 hours, during which of course you're taking in your baby and taking care of your postpartum needs and welcoming family members who want to meet your baby (if you want - I'll do a post about making decisions about visitors soon). But, there is still a lot of downtime. Yeah, you'll be trying to catch some sleep where you can and reading up on all the materials and paperwork you're given, but there will still be enough downtime between labor and post-labor to have a book, a card game, or something else to fill your time.

Snacks

Depending on where you deliver, you will most likely not be able to eat anything once you're admitted. The hospital I was at allowed for clear liquids, but that was all. However, I had a husband, parents, and in-laws that were there to support me and were stuck waiting for hours and hours for the hospital cafeteria to open. Plus, once you finally can eat, you're going to want some of your favorite go-to snacks available. The hospital food isn't bad at all, and they give you a good amount for each meal, but you're still going to have the munchies at other times - especially if you're nursing and especially when you're up at 3 am with baby.

Pillow and Blanket for Spouse

Some people talk about bringing their pillow from home to have on their hospital bed, but I was perfectly comfortable with what they had. However, before we left the house that night, I made sure my hubby grabbed his pillow and a blanket, and I was so glad that I did. There was a lot of time spent waiting around (see above) in the middle of the night, and I was glad that he had a way to get some decent sleep - especially when he snuck into an empty room and stretched out on the couch.

Toiletries

For you and your spouse. Some things I was very glad to have:

• a hair tie
• face wipes
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• lotion
• aquaphor (for my dry lips)
• shampoo, conditioner, and body wash to take a shower (I personally waited until I got home, but hubby took one at the hospital)

What You Don't:

A Wardrobe for Yourself

I brought some cute but comfy pants, a cute top that allows access for nursing, cozy socks, a kimono/robe, a hoodie, and I wore none of it. The only item I was genuinely grateful that I brought was a comfortable nursing sports bra. Other than that, I just stayed in my hospital gown and those fantastic mesh underwear they give you (along with all the pads and ice packs etc.). I mean, you wear clothes to the hospital, change as soon as you get there, and can wear the same clothes home. All of the options I brought, thinking I was so prepared, ended up just being extra stuff that took up room in my bag.

A Wardrobe for Baby

The hospital requires for baby to stay in the shirt and swaddle they give you the whole time, so if you thought you were going to be dressing baby in a cute outfit to take a picture, consider that this might have to wait until you get home. I did bring a couple of going home outfit options (one in size newborn and one in 3 months, just in case she was too big), which I was glad to have, but I also brought a cute matching swaddle and bow and different hat options, and again, they just took up room in my bag that I could have used for snacks.

Your Beauty Counter

 I was really happy I brought a hair tie and face wipes, and I did make sure I had eye makeup on before going to the hospital, but you don't need all of your creams and lotions and hairsprays and palettes and brushes. Yes, you'll have your picture taken, and like I said, I was glad to have eye makeup on for that. But for the vast majority of your time in the hospital, you'll be a) too sleep deprived and exhausted to care what you look like, and b) too preoccupied with your sweet bundle of joy to care what you look like.

I hope this helps all you momma-to-bes as you get ready to meet your sweet little one!

Stay beautiful,

xoxo Madi

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